I was looking forward to trying this new creatively named valentine's day beer. Color was black, taste was dry, bitter, and to me, burnt, with a thin mouthful. I did not like it at all, but maybe my palette was too sour'ed out by Vinne's other masterpieces. I'm looking forward to trying it again, maybe with food, and maybe I'll like it more...

Pours a Dark brown almost black color with a suprisingly light tan head that stick aroun for awhile and laces the glass nicely. Smell is a little disappointing insofar as it is not all that string or complex. Some chocolatey notes with a lot of Belgian yeast and a little dark fruit sweetness. Lots of spice.

The flavor, like the smell, is a little bland. Just about what you'd expect from the style, but not from a Russian River beer. Belgian yeast dominant all over. Lots of spices accompanied by some sweet fruits and a caramel/chocolate undertone. A funkiness in the finish and aftertaste. Decent but not great at all. By far my least favorite of the beers sampled today at the brewery.

Mouthfeel is a full medium with lots of carbonation and is one of the better parts of the beer. Drinkability=I would drink it if it was the only RR beer I could get, but there are just soooo many better choices.

A: Near black with a small tan head.S: Not too much. Some roasted malts.T: Kind of reminds me of a Sam Adams Black Lager, though this is less malty and sweet. That flavor, but considerably more earthy.M: Smooth, a bit light.D: Easy to drink, but would probably rank this amongst the few RR beers that I don't care for too much.

On tap at the brew pub. Served in a goblet this beer had a thin topping of tan head that quickly receded. Black. Aromas of dark malts not picking up any yeast. Flavor is indeed malty. This beer tastes like a porter to me. Not sure what makes it Belgian inspired-maybe a hint of esters in there but it is weak. Well carbonated and medium bodied a flavorful beer that is average but solid.

Served on-draught into a 2 oz sampler at Russian River's tap room in Santa Rosa during their Pliny The Younger release in 2012. Reviewed from notes. Note that the vessel was 2 oz, not necessarily the total amount ingested, as I ordered samplers repeatedly if I required more to review accurately.

A: Pours a half finger had of slight tan colour, pretty decent cream, good thickness, and awful retention. Colour is a dark caramel-brown.

Sm: Caramel, nuts, and smoke. A moderate strength aroma.

T: Some smoke - more as a tone than a flavour. Dark malts form the foundation. Some milk and cream. Some chocolate. Balanced and pleasant, if simple. Enjoyable. It could use some layering, but that would require more notes and depth of flavour.

Mf: Smooth and wet. Could use more cream. Not too thick nor too thin.

Dr: Very drinkable, but simple. I'd have it again, but Russian River has far better brews.

Had this on tap at Russian River brewery today. Described on the chalk board as a Belgian Black Ale, or something like that. And black it is, with a nice tan head. Smell and taste are essentially dark roasted notes, a little coffee, but lighter than a stout by far. Pretty drinkable brew, but with so many other delicious options at the brewery, one is enough.